ROSS HOME

Evening Star, Issue 23869, 26 April 1941, Page 17

ROSS HOME

OPENING OF NEW WING The opening of the new Kilgour wing at Ross Home took place before a very largo number of interested friends of the Presbyterian Social Service Association. The new wing lias accommodation for 10 residents and a member of the staff, and includes four single rooms and four double rooms. It has been erected through a bequest made by Mr and Mrs J. A. Kilgour. The wing was dedicated by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, the Right Rev. G. H. Jupp, and ho was assisted in the service by tho Moderator of tbo Presbytery of'Dunedin, the Rev. Professor J.'A. Allan, M.A., and the Moderator of the Synod of Otago and Southland, the Rev. T. Miller, M.A. Mr T. Somerville, tho convenor of tho P.S.S.A. General Committee, presided. and in the course of his remarks said: '“.lt was during the Great War that the need for an old .people’s home, such as Ross Home, was'seen by that stalwart of the church, the lato Rev. Dr Cameron. Ho developed the proposal in such a practical way that the committee unanimously approved and tho work of erecting the main block was started in November, 1917. In 191!) the two wings were built, and in 192 ti the hospital block was erected. There has always been a waiting list for admission, and this has been a real source of anxiety to the committee. It is noteworthy that tho present extension has taken place during a time of war. and .your committee, realising tho increasing need for further accommodation tor the old folk of our church, took their courage and their faith in hands and proceeded with the erection of the wing which we to-day erect to tho glory of God and dedicate to the memory of Mr and Mrs J. A. Kilgour. “ Mr and Mrs Kilgour wore old and highly respected members of our church. Humble and unassuming by nature.

they ivcri' n!ivii,v> kindly disposed to our work. :md took iv very real interest iii il. 11l these days, when nnuiy people appear in desire llmt the Stale .should provide Ini- their wants, it i* gratifying in know Unit in our Scottish community there are mouthers who desire In fend for themselves as lout; humanly- possible rather than ■ accent anythin}; .savourin'; ot charity. Wo honour their independent spirit, hut at the same time they create a problem which the committee-has discussed Ironi time to time, and they constitute what might he charitably known as bodrjdden patients. Owing to. the shortaye of re.oin and stab it is impossible for the association to grant. rebel to inanv of those cases, and the committee is verv anxious to make provision loi them. No fewer than 3511 old lolk have been in lesidenee. and have had the eventide of their lives brightened in the cheerful .and helpful atmosphere of Ross Home.” ,At the elo-e of the function those present, had an opportunity of viewin'; the new winy and the home.